Letter: Reader against ‘In God We Trust’ sign

To answer Marion Burger's letter and maybe a question that has been bothering me and probably other folks questions, too.

Comment

Oakridger - Oak Ridge, TN

Writer

Posted Mar. 31, 2013 at 5:22 PM
Updated Mar 31, 2013 at 5:23 PM

Posted Mar. 31, 2013 at 5:22 PM
Updated Mar 31, 2013 at 5:23 PM

Oak Ridge, Tenn.

To the Editor:

To answer Marion Burger's letter and maybe a question that has been bothering me and probably other folks questions, too.

Why were there only Baptists listed in a list of citizens supporting placing "In God We Trust" on the Anderson County Courthouse?

All this has been spread by one person: Tom Byrge, Clinton Baptist Association director of missions. I have talked to several Baptists and separately, they have said that they do not believe in this but they must follow the Association's directive.

This was the same principle that ruled the vote of many of Anderson County's well-meaning commissioners. Rather than trying to meet and address the needs of all citizens the Baptists have applied the rule of man rather than God. Anderson County's own mayor chose not to support Anderson County citizens but rather Anderson County's Baptist citizens.

I usually try to feel how much people are in touch with reality. Sometimes you get disgusted and try to ignore man's vices of force.

I was talking to this lady at the hospital and asked her how she felt about the "In God We Trust" issues. She said, I do not believe in this issue for I am agnostic. Now this person runs around seeing that everyone's need gets met.

I keep pondering if there is a deeper meaning than "In God We Trust." I think about how blank walls have been covered by another word created by God/man — graffiti. Many times it is truly art.

As a person who has dealt with discrimination all my life, I was really disappointed in the majority of County Commissioners, who I respected, who chose to use religion as a means to govern rather to govern by compassion for all citizens. Do they speak for me? No.